For the 13th time since 2000, Cal State San Bernardino's Theta Iota chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society, has been awarded a 2024-25 Best Chapter Award.

The Theta Iota chapter is one of only six nationwide, from institutions of similar size, to be recognized among more than 830 Pi Sigma Alpha chapters.

The awards are intended to recognize local chapters that are particularly active in their institutions and communities and embody the society’s mission to stimulate scholarship and intellectual interest in political science.

In a letter announcing the award, the society highlighted the extraordinary leadership and dedication to students of Christina Villegas, professor of political science and the chapter’s faculty advisor, along with the chapter’s success in developing activities that promote student research.

Villegas’ leadership has extended far beyond the campus, as well. In 2020, she was appointed to the National Executive Council of Pi Sigma Alpha and served a four-year term.

Villegas credits last year’s student executive board, including David Rodriguez, Frank Garcia, Amanda Neiheisel, Matthew McHenry and Giobana Martinez for the chapter’s accomplishment.

“Through the sponsorship of several extracurricular events, the executive board and I successfully encouraged civic knowledge, networking, student research, and student recognition,” Villegas said.

The Theta Iota chapter will receive an award of $500, and Villegas will be awarded $200 for her service. The awardees will also be featured in the American Political Science Association’s magazine, Political Science Today.

Members of CSUSB's political science honor society gathered in a dining area.
Student inductees of Cal State San Bernardino's Theta Iota chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society, at the chapter's year-end banquet.